It has been almost 10 years since a water crisis created a significant health hazard in the city of Flint, Michigan. Now, the state of Michigan is set to pay more than $600 million to compensate impacted residents.
Tuesday, March 21, a state judge approved a $626 million settlement, clearing a final procedural hurdle. More than 50,000 people have already submitted claims to get their portion of the settlement. Claimants could begin receiving payouts as soon as fall 2023.
Back in 2014, the city had switched the source of its drinking water from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The move was meant to save money for the city, but without proper chemicals to keep the water safe from lead in the pipes, the river water corroded city piping and the city’s drinking water became contaminated.
Around 100,000 residents were exposed to elevated lead levels, and between 6,000 to 12,000 children were impacted. Side effects include increased chances of Alzheimer’s and a reduction in I.Q., particularly in children exposed to high levels of lead.
Of the $600 million settlement, 60% of it will go to people who were kids when the water crisis began.
